England 1-2 Argentina: World Cup semi final player ratings | 2026 World Cup

England (4-2-3-1)

Jordan Pickford He had a narrow chance with both goals. We pulled off a fantastic save from González but that will be forgotten now. 7

Recece James He dominated his side and fully deserved his return to the side after injury. 7

John Stones He was a rock in the back until the last 10 minutes when his lack of game time caught up with him. 7

Marc Guéhi Mr Reliable who defends England did not put his foot down again and was unlucky to lose. 7

Djed Spence He won over the doubters and then some. A Bobby Moore-esque tackle to stop Simeone. 8

Elliot Anderson Another display of all actions. He was booked to take Messi out brutally but he is at this level. 7

Declan Rice He took a closer look at his normal state. But it had to be withdrawn as England tried to protect their lead. 6

Morgan Rogers Chosen in an unusual role on the right side and showed why, setting up Gordon well. 7

Jude Bellingham On fire from the start, he almost lost his rag in injury time – he couldn’t save England this time. 6

Anthony Gordon He has grown up in this tournament. I will never forget scoring goals in the semi final of the World Cup. 8

Harry Kane It was his long pass that England hit. But he will be very disappointed that he didn’t make a big impact. 5

Changed: Ezri Konsa (Gordon’s, 72) Into the back three but Martínez’s equalizing goal by mistake, 5. Dan Burn (Jacob’s 83) Third unlucky after his appearance against Mexico and Norway, 5. Nico O’Reilly (at Rice 83) Couldn’t stop Messi’s cross for the winning goal, 6. Ivan Toney (For stones 90+3) Too late to make an impact, 6. Marcus Rashford (on Spence 90+3) He tried his best to pull England’s standard, 6.

Argentina (4-3-3)

Emiliano Martínez There was no chance with Gordon’s goal but he was a spectator the whole game. 6

Nahuel Molina Struggled to contain the strong combination of Spence and Gordon playing down England’s left. 6

Cristian Romero He squared up to Bellingham in the first minute and showed some smart footwork to get himself out of trouble. 8

Lisandro Martinez He went to the line after getting booked in the first half so it was no surprise to see him sent off. 7

Nicolas Tagliafico He had his hands full with Rogers and it was through his mistake that Gordon was able to score. 5

Leandro Paredes An early cut to Anderson set the tone, but he couldn’t use his usual power in midfield. 5

Enzo Fernandez Inches away from a wonder goal in the first half before breaking England’s hearts with a stunning equaliser. 8

Alexis Mac Allister So you are unlucky not to score after hitting both posts. The Liverpool man is back to his best form. 8

Giuliani Simeone Like father, like son. He was always busy but he couldn’t take advantage when he was clean. 6

Lionel Messi Some bad touches and awkward runs that belie his age. It is worth signing in the biggest category. 9

Julian Álvarez It caused England big problems down Argentina’s left flank all afternoon. Messi’s heir awaits you. 8

Changed: Nicolas González (on Paredes 65) Denied equalization by Pickford but added momentum to Argentina’s attack, 8. Nicolás Otamendi (for L Martínez 72) Amazing that he is still playing at 38, 7. Gonzalo Montiel (on Molina 72) Big improvement from Molina as Argentina chase an equaliser, 7. Rodrigo De Paul (Simeone’s 72) Left out without surprise but helped change the game, 8. Lautaro Martinez (for Tagliafico 81) Argentinian hero with great title, 8.